After a controversial penalty helped Belgium’s Club Brugge win the first leg, Atalanta came out strong, with Sead Kolasinac heading over from a Juan Cuadrado corner early on. But just moments later, Brugge stunned Atalanta with a brilliant counterattack. Ardon Jashari dispossessed Ederson and backheeled to Hans Vanaken, who passed to Ferran Jutgla. Jutgla set up 19-year-old Chemsdine Talbi, who fired into the far corner.
Leading by two goals, Brugge grew more comfortable, surviving Mateo Retegui’s offside goal and Éderson’s blocked dink. They then doubled their lead when Talbi scored off a rebound after Yashari’s assist to Christos Tzolis. Atalanta threatened late in the first half, with Davide Zappacosta, Mario Pasalic, and Cuadrado all testing the keeper. But Brugge countered again, with Vanaken setting up Tzolis, who found Jutgla for a long-range half-volley.
Atalanta made changes after the break, and Ademola Lookman’s return from injury paid off when he scored from Zappacosta’s cross. A VAR-reviewed penalty soon followed, but Lookman’s shot was saved by Simon Mignolet, who also denied Retegui. Atalanta’s frustration grew as Rafael Toloi was sent off late for a foul on Maxim De Cuyper. Brugge held on for a memorable victory, with a potential tie against Lille or Aston Villa next month. Atalanta’s search for consecutive UCL home wins continues.
